I like Wang, but as I said a few weeks ago, if he can't at least be passable (a 5ish ERA is all I ask), they may not be able to keep him. As good as Fiers and Nelson are pitching, and for that matter, the ability to use that 25th spot depending on the situation (usually a pitcher, but with 3 games in 5 days, they could use an extra position player) would be helpful as well.

As always, in Doug I trust. Ron said he would discuss it with Counsell after the game.

Cover up for them all you wish, but the truth is, the umps are simply over their head unless the call is routine. That HR was out of the park by 12-15 feet, and they still missed it. I mean, if you can't get that right, what are you doing on the field?

Lucky Scooter is still in one piece after that. Of course, you see plays like that in rookie ball and over at Appleton all the time. Whenever I go to Appleton, there's always at least a time or two when someone either fails to cover a base or throws to an unoccupied base.

Garza ends the streak of 5+ inning starts, is hit by a line drive and has to leave with what looks to be a minor hand/finger problem (close up looks to be his thumb or thumbnail).

One thing to keep in mind, a week from tomorrow, the Brewers have an off day, and are then off again the following Monday. They could easily go with 4 SP's for a stretch of this coming Sunday until 12 days later, on a Friday. Hence, if Garza (or Gallardo, who jammed his wrist a couple nights ago) has to be DL'd, they might only miss a single start.

As I pondered last night, Crew thinking of adding a reliever. KRod is actually NOT available today, per Adam. It might well be Thornburg and Smith are also down today.

Braun is not mentioned for coming back, but both Segura and Ramirez are expected back in Cincy. Ron also did not want to comment on Ryan last night, so usually, if you are not hearing treatment is going well, it's not. We could see a couple moves, one to bring up Gindl and one to bring up a pitcher. Who knows if a player or two have been playing nicked up?

I think the Sounders are missing a huge opportunity here...they average about 35K a game with the average ticket costing about $30. I bet they could cut the prices in half and average 10K for their reserves team, especially if they played on the weekends when the Sounders were on the road.

Some people would go for the lower prices, some for the better seats, and you can bet some would go to both.

Same lineup as last night, except with Lucroy catching. I have to wonder if Segura and/or Ramirez would have found their way in were they not up a couple games in the series.

Have to see about the bullpen...wouldn't surprise me at all if it's a sparse group that's available. KRod only threw 10-12 pitches last night, so I assume the save is his. Other than him and Wang, you can make a case that they should probably have the day off.

If Nixon/Reagan/Bushes had been president when emails indicating a WH
coverup were released, we'd be talking impeachment, not NBA owners.

The irony is, Clinton was impeached, and many insist that his perjury should have been a private matter...but when an NBA owner is secretly taped, that's public and simply hellish.
It's tougher and tougher to keep up with the left's unwritten rules...all of which benefit the left and none of which make a lick of sense.

I doubt if anyone gets rushed back to start tomorrow of the injured three, as a day off equals 30 hours more to heal.

I'm sure Roenicke will talk to each reliever, though Thornburg is certain to be off, while Smith may well be also. Henderson threw both days, and was up Sunday. The key will be if Kintzler and Duke can pitch after going two frames Monday.

Yesterday on Twitter, Ton W said there was talk of a 'huge boycott" of the Clippers' game tonight. I told him talk is talk, and people that pay that kind of money for their tickets would be there.

I just flipped over...not a single empty seat.

Tony W has reached the stage that very few ever do...whatever he says, you can almost depend on it being 100% wrong. He is simply completely out of touch with reality, despite having infinite information available in seconds. He knows nothing except rumors, cliches, and stretching the truth.

I'm not saying to throw fastballs right down the middle to Maldonado, but the idea you will allow fewer runs by giving your opponent extra baserunners simply goes against common sense and math.

When in doubt, the answer should be to throw strikes, change speeds, and move the ball in and out, up and down. Remember, even when talking about the historically great seasons of Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds, computer simulations show walking them every time up led to more runs.

Needless to say, no one is confusing Marty Maldonado with Ruth or Bonds. By putting him on, you're eliminating the 65-70% of the time he would have made an out.

Hellweg had his TJ surgery today. I assume, since he is on the minor league DL that the Crew will remove him off the 40 man soon and see if anyone wants to stash him on their 40 for the next 15 months of not pitching. If he were 22-23 or a top prospect, someone would take a flyer, but I assume he will make it through.

Brewers are 7th in defense so far using both UZR and DRS. That has been an underrated part of the good start. Bianchi with a couple nice plays and all the routine ones last night...I have to believe he's betetr than a few starters, as many every day SS's don't hit much either.

Movie theater chains often struggle due to high construction costs, property taxes, and debt service; while Las Vegas has had to change because 95% of Americans live within two hours of a legal casino with slots and usually, other table games.

That said, I'm pretty damn sure that in a hundred years, we'll still have movies and Vegas, both of which is why I'm proud to be a contrarian...because I may not have a clue, but I know most everyone else is going to be wrong.

Another ironic twist...casuals like to insist teams only need six relief pitchers. This year, many are saying there is no way the Crew can keep Wong up all year or they will blow out the bullpen, despite having the best rotation in the NL at the moment. And don't forget, Wong is a serviceable arm, but has only been used in low leverage situations.

So, you should be able to get by with 6, but having 6+1 is impossible?

It must be difficult living with one's self when you don't believe in anything.

I was just thinking how every spring someone will type that "(insert name of loogy) should NEVER face a RH batter all season." Duke has had to throw a pair of two inning outings, and it's not even May yet.

Several times, Wong has been one inning away from being the only guy left and having to pitch in extra innings as well. The best laid plans are often lose when up against what actually happens.

Unless there is an injury or stiffness we are not aware of, I assume the bullpen is ready to pitch tonight, except for Duke and Kintzler. Have to see if any of the Segura/Braun/Ramirez trio can go, or at least PH.

Ryan looks to be the only one that the DL is being considered for. If the bullpen was 100%, they could have considered doing a Henderson for Gindl swap (does Duke have any options left?) for a couple days, and then when the injured position guys come back, bring back Wooten until Jim spends ten days down. As is, not much they can do, without using the DL.

Several groups with desire to purchase Clippers are already stepping
forward, with a bidding war expected to exceed $1 billion for Clippers.

Sterling suspended for life...something I and many others do not think the NBA even has the power to do, not that Sterling will contest it, as he will likely sell the team for at least $800M, and maybe over $1B.

Many people, including Kareem Abdul Jabbar have quietly spoken out in favor of Sperling, in a "I think he was set up" way. Considering the worst thing he said is telling his black girlfriend to stop hanging out with black people, I fail to see the outrage for the most part.

I doubt he's a fine man, but I also doubt he's a fraction of the racist he's being made out to be.

If you are taught bitterness and anger, then you will believe
you are a victim. You will feel aggrieved and the twin brother of
aggrievment is entitlement. So now you think you are owed something and
you don’t have to work for it and now you’re on a really bad road to
nowhere because there are people who will play to that sense of
victimhood, aggreivement and entitlement, and you still won’t have a
job.--Condaleeza Rice

You know...it just doesn't work. How many times do we need to prove that Robin Hood economics simply don't work?

Too bad Aramis did not warn Roenicke he might be done, Thornburg could have went into his spot and Overbay stayed in, saving Maldonado for now.

For you folks wondering on Twitter, Thornburg had already taken the mound and was warming up before Ramirez talked to Ron and the training staff about coming out. As soon as Tyler steps on the mound, he's in the 9 spot, unless Ron discusses it with the umpires. As I said, Aramis shouting a warning to Ron or a coach of "I might be done," would have been very helpful.

There is a large segment of our population that uses "Merica" as some sort of patriotic criticism...as in, heaven forbid you are one of those people who love their country, as I do not feel it is a great place at all.

Don't ponder how this happened...we've tried to make the lower class middle class by "spreading the wealth." That makes the middle class...those that work hard, pay taxes, and struggle to get by...wonder what in the hell they're doing, because it's a lot easier sitting home waiting for a check than it is working for a living.

Socialism works great until it runs out of other people's money to spend. In the case of Obamanomics, we never had that money to begin with, it's all been magically created by taxing the successful and adding to the debt.

What's so pathetic is, we've done all this "stimulus," added trillions in debt, without a bit of economic growth. That would be almost impossible...it's almost as if tax and spend doesn't work.

I have to wonder if the umpires watching the game in New York realize they seem to miss almost every close call and are now saying "inconclusive" to help the percentages a bit. Inexcusable to miss this stuff on replay, though I assume there's no penalty for even obvious errors, as if they did, the bad umpires would have been gone years ago.

If Segura was 100%, the Crew might well bring up Gindl to play RF in place of Herrera, but as is, Elian is needed to be the backup SS.

The casuals often only see a fraction of the picture. Too bad, as they're missing a lot of knowledge about roster construction.

Times like this is when the 26/27 man roster I keep pushing for would be a terrific thing. As is, we see more and more players playing at half strength and beat up. The other benefit is, all teams have an extra middle reliever and utility players. It would benefit the smaller market teams...they do not have weaker 26th men, but weaker top five men.

Roenicke estimates Braun will miss 3-5 days. A good guess would be until Thursday night. Ron says he does not know if Herrera starts all those games, so I would say it is likely Reynolds starts 1-2 of them versus RHP (Elian hits lefties far better).

Couple of scholarship offer predictions for the next few days -- Brevin Pritzl (Wisconsin), Matt Heldt (Marquette).--WisBBYearbook

Even Pritzl predicted WI would make an offer soon, so you have to think they have talked to him and told one one was likely. He would seemingly accept it on the spot, nice, considering the Badgers have tons of offers out (8-10, depending who you believe) and a half dozen open spots for fall, 2015.

The irony is, all the noise about Wang, Ron is likely looking at just getting Kintzler, Henderson, and/or Thornburg some work...none have pitched since Wednesday, and for Brandon, that was a simulated game (Jim did warm up Friday night).

Tough to keep everyone busy with only 16 bullpen outs needed the past four days.

Mike Squires not only caught a couple innings, he played several games at 3B, far more difficult for a LH thrower. There's really no reason LH's can't catch, and in the future, there will probably be several.

I could write a long post explaining it, but I cannot believe how shortsighted many are about Wang. The funny thing is, the cool kids don't even realize that the Crew will obviously have fare more low leverage situations going forward, as you cannot play 162 close games (you can, however, play 24...that's why it's a small sample).

The key for him is to simply, you know, not suck...he will not have a place if he gives up 6 runs in an inning on a regular basis. However, as long as he can throw 5-5.50 ERA ball when called upon, he's no worse than the 12th man on almost ever MLB staff.

Right now, Wang is like a magnet that he could magically fix every problem that exists...another catcher, another utility guy, another pitcher. In reality, the only person who is really affected is one of the veteran AAA arms...Wooten, Figaro, or Blazek.

The Brewers might well be looking at one or two of these guys in the offseason. I have long been a Headley fan, as his numbers are far better away from SD, a pitcher's paradise. The Brewers would have to decide to buyout Ramirez's option for $4M instead of paying him $16M, and on a one year deal, they might well decide $12M makes sense.

I give interracial couples a look. Daggers. They get uncomfortable when they see me on the street.--Spike Lee

Liberal fave Bill Maher has called Trig Palin a retard and Sarah Palin the "c word."

Donald Sterling, who is dating a black woman, apparently needs to make folks aware he's a heavy donor to Dems to avoid such scrutiny. I found a quote of what he supposedly said, and it's pretty mild, and sounds almost like some sort of jealousy issue and not a racial one.

Every time he's DFA'd, I think he looks like an excellent choice for the Crew...he'd be a wonderful option for Weeks' 25 man spot if Rickie is unable to get it going. Much of his success comes in offensive friendly AAA ballparks, but his ability to play 2B/3B/LF/RF, with plus speed, and a reverse split, as he hits RHP better than LHP.

Spring is here, and for a number of you that is the same as saying
turkey season is here. Thought I'd share some hunting related jokes
before you head out this weekend.

You might be a redneck (hunter) if... You've ever shot at a "No Hunting" sign. The plastic deer in your yard are not decorations – they're practice targets. There are four pairs of pants and two squirrels hanging from your clothesline. You do your bird-watching through a rifle scope. You consider turkey calling a second language. You have a turkey decoy on layaway. You hid ammunition in your Easter Eggs You used a cheat sheet during your hunter safety test. Your favorite hunting story includes, "So I rolled down the window real quiet-like…."--Jeff Foxworthy

Roenicke with a nice job utilizing Duke for the 8th against a LH heavy stretch. That was effectively a Thornburg/Smith/Henderson/Kintzler spot, or a pair of them, and using Zach to get an extra three outs...and a night of rest for the others, can only be looked at as a positive.

That said, it's a lot easier managing when whoever you go with does the job.

McCarthy has realized she is completely wrong and is responsible for thousands of illnesses and hundreds of deaths; and is trying to change sides without admitting her celebrity ignorance was using fiction before.

If she wasn't so damn stupid, I'd feel sorry for her.

Watch her get schooled by a pair of far more intelligent women. I wish Sarah Palin would have been on the panel, I promise you Jenny would have left in tears and called Trig a retard. Sarah doesn't take kindly to fools, and doesn't need to be pretend polite like the others.

She's gorgeous for an old broad, but to quote Ron White, "you can't fix stupid."

The Brewers bullpen has the 9th most IP in the NL...if you remove the 8 extra innings they had to throw of late, they would be in 14th (of 15).

Eventually, they'll need something from Wang's spot, even if only 2-3 innings a week. That said, as of right now, "the overworked bullpen" is fiction. Right now, it sounds like Kintzler may be unable to throw on consecutive days, so they may be working with a 5.5 man 'pen for the most part, which might be troublesome.

I still have trouble believing that about 18 months ago, Bill Clinton said, in public mind you, that Mitt Romney wasn't fit to be president because he was a liar...and the old media didn't even act like that was kind of an ironic statement. Bill Clinton, who was impeached for perjury, which, for those of you whose teacher called in sick that day to vandalize the capitol and never learned ya good, means he knowingly lied under oath. About having sex with a bimbo.

The final parcel not under the city’s control is Faith Deliverance
Temple, a family-owned church. City officials and members of the church
family have been in stop-and-go talks about buying the small church for
nearly a year. At one point, the city offered $1.5 million -- more than
twice the appraised value – but church members countered with a selling
price of $35 million. That caused the city to threaten eminent domain,
but a public backlash brought the parties back to the table.--Orlando Sentinel

Heh. Good to see the church believes in prosperity, even if it means delaying a project and screwing the city.

The old media has completely ignored how disgusted the public is with the American royal family. Eating endangered species (right out of Ace Ventua: Pet Detective!); expensive, frequent vacations, and closing down open air veteran's memorials out of dislike of the military...these are just bad, bad people.

I'd talk about the many scandals...but hey, I gotta get to bed in a couple hours...

Penn Jillette is a strong believer in freedom and common sense, and I find myself agreeing with him 99% of the time. He is not a religious man at all, however, since there is so little overlap between government and religion; one's faith rarely matters when it comes to politics.

If I would have been told the Brewers were a winning team, I would have guessed they were top 4 in run prevention and above average in runs scored.

So, I just took a gander...Brewers are 2nd and 6th in the NL. At the end of the day, it all comes down to how many runs you score and give up. All the rest is for the talk show hosts.

And not surprisingly, they have also been lucky (they've won two more than "expected", and are 5-2 in one run games). As any poker player who is "running good" and they'll tell you, they get luckier when they're playing good.

I still think the Pirates will, if it becomes obvious the Crew will keep Wang up all season, agree to some sort of a trade, if June or July. A player from MIL who has no options remaining entering 2015 (Hellweg was before injury, Gindl or Ariel Pena) that is unlikely to make the team out of Arizona would seemingly be a fair return. Now, I love both those guys, and personally feel Caleb is better than at least 50% of reserve OF's in the majors. However, you get the idea. Something is better than nothing, and that roster spot, though important if MIL contends, is unlikely to matter...after all, every team has a 12th man on the staff.

I think some improvements have been made, as for the most part teams have figured out closers who throw 70 innings a year are not worth $10-12M. Still, when you see Miguel Cabrera being paid for what he has done, rather than what he is projected to do, you wonder what's going on.

You should have seen the whining that went on when the Crew signed KRod to a one year, about market value contract...many casuals complained about his arrest for domestic violence. First of all, I don't think he's ever been convicted. Secondly, we all know that often, those cases are all out of whack because of ridiculous "mandatory arrest" laws. I knew some folks in Eau Claire who admitted that the woman was at fault, but police would not drop the charge against the man, because neither the police or DA wanted the public to think they were "soft" or that they were "blaming the victim." The irony is, KRod has been lauded nonstop for his leadership and work ethic this season, as players often are when their teams are winning (when teams fall back, they are called "lazy" and "troublemakers.")

Don't forget, Showalter used KRod almost exclusively in middle relief and not at all in high leverage situations after BAL acquired him last year. When asked why, KRod said, "I don't know, no one talks to me here," paraphrasing; while Buck would only say it was all about matchups. Rumor had it KRod called his own game, ignoring what was called by the catcher (and likely the bench) "suggested."

Always a good feeling listening to Doug, as he simply "gets it"...while you see other GM's struggling every season to score runs or prevent runs, proudly overpaying and then trying to justify it, Doug just talks about the simple things...pitching, offense, defense, finding spots for young, inexpensive players and adding a few veterans where you need them.

Counsell's tidbit about playing so well on the road, and in doing so, having to get 27 outs nightly instead of 24, is brilliant. If they were 5-5 instead of 9-1, that's four fewer innings...and eliminate the two extra inning games they've played since Sunday...that's eight fewer innings...a dozen less in only three weeks of the season. That's two fewer IP for every reliever...or as the drama queens would say...a pace of 59 over the entire season.

As I point out often, September doesn't really matter, as they can have a 15-16 man staff if it matters. So, it's just a matter of limiting your top relievers to 60 innings or so before 9/1, to keep them healthy and hopefully effective.

Wang's spot may be important, but if he can even pitch to a 5 ERA in low leverage spots, that will be fine...something else many overlook is how every game has been close, and only a couple blowouts in three weeks...heck, you often have 4-5 games in a week in which the outcome is determined, for the most part, by the 6th inning.

While some people get all excited about somewhat minor charitable projects, good to hear Doug Melvin talking about Wounded Warriors, getting them seats at Miller Park, taking them on a road trip to DC, and so on.

If you do not have a strong national defense, you won't have anything for long.

Ben Stein used to talk about this all the time...shopping at Wal Mart is like giving yourself a 10-30% pay increase...more if you utilize their price match policy, coupons, and so on. Yes, the left hates successful capitalists...that's why I love them. They do things far better than most, and their prices reflect that.

I have spoken often about frozen pizzas...one brand in particular is $2.50 at WM, and $5.49 at my local grocer, which I will refer to as Sick and Pave. These are not sale prices, these are regular prices, and have been the same here in the Wausau area for 6-9 months. Many argue that they'll happily pay more for said pizza, and, since I'm a free market guy, I chuckle and say, "Well, good for you."

If you buy two a week, your stupidity is costing you $310.96 a year...on one single item. I don't think it's too much to say you can easily save $2500 a year, without even trying, just by shopping the greatest retailer to have ever opened for business.

Or, pay more. You can send me the difference at the Paypal button on the sidebar. It's your money.

First of all, they may not be, as three weeks is a tiny sample. That said, defensive shifts are by far the biggest factor, as they cost nothing and are easy to utilize...one book or computer program, done. I would say smarter use of the bullpen plays a factor as well...you hardly see any SP throwing 110+ pitches, at least not this early. Fresh arms equals a tougher offensive environment. Finally, teams focus more on their weaknesses. A decade ago, everyone was hitting for power, and teams worked on ways to prevent that. It takes years of drafting and developing to make much of an impact in MLB.

Kevin Towers expressed disappointment some players have not rallied troops in clubhouse.

We've known for the last year that ARI had little chance for success, as Gibson and Towers openly built their team based on intangibles such as "grit," "toughness," and "guys that want to win." That, to the surprise of few, has led to them having a team full of Willie Bloomquists, Hank Blancos, and Martin Prados...certainly not embarrassingly bad players, but also not a group of 25 players who are likely to win MLB games either.
The old media loves talking about doing the little things, but in reality, teams have to do the big things.

Brewers manager Ron Roenicke, like Gomez, didn't agree with the suspensions and thought the Pirates got off too lightly.

"No, I don’t," he said when asked if they were fair. "The guy who
started it all got nothing, and I don’t understand that. So, no I’m not
happy with it. Doug (Melvin) isn't happy with it. I know they’re tough
decisions, I know they have a lot to think of, they’ve got precedent,
they’ve got a lot of things that go into this, but I don’t think it’s
fair."--JS

These teams have enough to worry about. It's painful how out of touch MLB is.

RR said he expects it to be some weeks before Gomez's appeal is heard.--MLB.com

MLB doesn't even understand the fact that Skype and conference calls exist. If Carlos gets hurt, or the Crew has a time when they have a Monday and a Thursday off the same week, they could just have him serve the suspension then; or send down a pitcher and replace him with a position player. There's nothing wrong with using the incredibly clumsy system as it is set up.

Hellweg with torn UCL, all but certainly will need Tommy John surgery.

On a roster note, Hellweg is on the 40 man, so he can be placed on the 60 day DL, but would then have to be paid his major league split. Or, since he is out of options, he can be removed from the 40 man at some point and optioned to Nashville...of course, he could be claimed, but it is unlikely, as he would have to be rehabbed and then resigned to a minor league deal next season.

Good luck to him in his recovery. He's probably out of the picture until 2016. Pitching is a fleeting skill. Let's hope that's the only pitching injury for a while.

Gerrit Cole instigated the brawl and the only one not suspended. He was
the cause, regardless if it was because of verbal vs. physical.--Jim Bowden

Bowden is the only one who has figured this out. The guy who starts the fight should always get the biggest penalty. MLB is too busy trying to enforce a bunch of unwritten, nonexistent rules to even figure out the most basic truths.

Gomez suspended three games, as obviously, MLB is now punishing him for being in confrontations before. As said before, Marty suspended five.

Cole, who was the cause and should have been suspended at least six games to make PIT revamp their rotation, gets nothing, though admittedly, being such a wimpy crybaby is its own punishment, as he has to live with himself and eat all of his food after it goes through a food processor.

Common sense would tell you at least one will appeal so they do not have to play with 23 guys. Gomez's may well be lowered, as he effectively is being suspended two more games than last season for doing the exact same thing.

If anyone wonders why MLB has done nothing to improve the simply horrendous umpiring, it's because they are too preoccupied worrying about fictional episodes of "playing the game the right way." At the moment, they are a complete bunch of know nothings who wake up everyday hoping no one notices that they, from day to day, that lefty has no idea what righty is doing.

The hell with 'em. They are reaching legendary proportions with their epic displays of ignorance, which involve not knowing what a "catch" is and missing call after call...on replay. They have no common sense, and have no idea what they're even trying to accomplish.

Meeting with mudslide family victims? Seriously? Are we going to announce economic sanctions versus slides of mud? Notice that they avoid that whole "Russia invaded Ukraine a while back, and we have done nothing" nugget of info by trying to create meaningless drivel and pretend it's news.

Gerrit Cole's feminine insecurity will reportedly cost Maldonado five games, which seems especially high considering the Crew has to play a guy short during this suspension...though I still do not know why.

As for Travis Snyder, when you leave the bench and pretend to be a tough guy, maybe you shouldn't be such a damn wimp.

If nothing else, the Pirates do seem to have the market cornered on girlie men.

I'm not sure how anyone can defend his complete lack of basic math and economic knowledge. Obama is not just in favor of redistribution of wealth, he doesn't seem to care that's been proven over and over not to work.

I don't mind being aggressive on the bases, but I sure would like to see Segura being thrown out diving into home and not in a rundown. Part of making the other team make the play involves, you know, making them make the play.

KRod in for day four. Gotta do what you gotta do. I know one of his saves was just seven pitches, but no one really counts the 40 he took in the bullpen warming up.

Crew is not quite as short in the bullpen as I had thought. While Henderson and KRod have both pitched three days in a row, and Duke is also probably unavailable, Thornburg and West are likely good to go; while Figaro and Wang are actually rested, though I'm sure are unlikely to be used in high leverage situations, unless they must.

I have no problem with it either, but, of course, I am pretty much for all freedom. Many in the South are extremely proud of their heritage, and that includes their flag. While many equate it with slavery, Southerners feel they had the right to secede, and to do as they wished.

Jon Morosi of Fox is claiming teams have to play "short" if they lose a player to suspension...I do not know if that is true or not. If so, that would be a difficult situation to lose Maldonado for any length of time, as it would impact the 25 and 40 man.

Figaro's game logs from this year, very spotty, 14 hits and 5 runs in 9 IP over 7 games. On the bright side, no walks, so he is throwing strikes.

Beggars can't be choosers. He'll likely be up until Kintzler returns, which is Friday, I believe, if all goes well. Hand is pitching nicely, but he's not on the 40. Nelson is scheduled to start tonight, and while he may have been considered for a permanent spot, was likely not for this short term situation.

Needing bullpen help after yesterday's long game, Brewers have optioned Rob Wooten to Triple-A Nashville and recalled RHP Alfredo Figaro.--FSW

I discussed this yesterday, while the cool kids were onto far more important things, like Hank, the June draft, and the like.
Figaro throws hard, and while compiling a 5 ERA thus far, had one terrible game, if memory serves.

The irony is, a century later, they voted the same way...but, attempts to rewrite history, and ignore the fact Wallace, Gore Sr. and Byrd were racist Dems and also worked against the GOP as they passed civil rights legislation, are alive and strong.

Three final thoughts on the fracas the umps could havwe easily prevented and did not, and possible ramifications.

1. Gomez says he did nothing wrong, and if he did not throw a punch, I agree with him. However, if he were to be suspended for tomorrow's game, if the Crew can replace him with a pitcher, that would work out nicely. If they have to replace him with a position player, it's meaningless.

2. One thing no one is discussing...if Maldonado did throw a punch and/or make contact, he will eventually be suspended, and the Crew does not have another catcher on the 40 man. Elian Herrera was a catcher in rookie ball, so if it's only a game or two, they might just let Lucroy catch and not add one. Otherwise they would have to remove someone from the 40, possibly risk losing them, and add a catcher for a game or two. Then they'd have to remove the C, and go from there. That's a lot of bother for a game or two.

3, At this second, I'd say the lowest two guys on the 40 are Weeks and Overbay. They cannot be easily removed and put back on.

EDIT: I'll add a fourth...Gorzelanny is on the 15 day DL, and I have not heard he is close to returning,. He could be put on the 60 day DL to delay the decision.

Watching the replay, 3B umpire could have completed avoided the entire altercation by simply grabbing Gomez and pushing him away from the problem child, Mr. Cole.

But, he did not, and that led to all the silliness. Simply put, this is what happens, the weak link on the chain fails, and the dam breaks, and add in a couple more cliches. All it takes is for the guys to take care of business...Cole is a loudmouth upset he made a crappy pitch. One guy grabs him and takes him to the dugout, and clubhouse, as he should have been ejected on the spot. Gomez never is involved because other guy has taken him out.

Boom, no discussion, only guy thrown out is the fella who caused the initial melee.

But, when you have guys out there who have no incentive to man up, no incentive to get good game scores, you're going to see exactly what you saw...uncaring, over their head nincompoops who struggle to maintain order. These clowns do nothing except go through the motions, day after day, waiting for their next week or two off...they work six months a year. MLB keeps adding corrections because they are historically awful, and yet, no improvement...no incentive to improve.

And the beat goes on. Just when you think they've hit rock bottom, incompetence takes a bit more gravel out of the hole. It hasn't happened yet. They're struggling mightily to not botch replay from day to day, as the effort is, at best, spotty.

TV guys talking about the NHL playoffs. First I've heard about them at all except that last night, a Chicago player took a five minute major penalty late in the game which led to the opposition scoring and winning the game.

That, in a nutshell, is why the NHL will never be a major sport in the USA.Wins and losses are secondary. It's like WWE on ice. Impossible to take seriously.

The Pirates do seem to breed this kind of idiocy in their pitching ranks. Remember a few years ago, Jeff Karstens almost broke down in tears after being pitched inside (or HBP, my memory is good, but short) after he had hit a Brewers' batter or two. He didn't seem to appreciate the irony.

What's so sad is, the one who causes the problem has yet to be punished, as the arbiters are always several steps behind the real issue.

Apparently, Narron is a young Latino man, and we have the most incompetent crew in the history of the game. Of course, they will be punished by giving them more time off and hiding how bad they are out of embarrassment.

It's just amazing how bad umpires are at figuring out who the instigator is and who should be ejected. They are completely inept and don't seem to even pretend to make an effort. They simply have no desire to figure out the truth. Underworked, overpaid, and simply awful.

As is, the starting pitcher should run after everyone who gets a hit, yell and swear at the hitter, and then run away.

It is simply difficult to believe how ignorant that is, and that there are four human beings outside the dozen fools on the OJ jury that could come to that conclusion. But yes, and they all make six figures a year, doing their job so badly the sport had to add a system to correct the terrible job they do, every single day.

That's about as good as it gets, though it should be noted, he has not thrown in any of the PCL offensive parks out west.

He was very good in 2012, and struggled last year, with both injury and his mom being ill. Right now, he's pitching as well as any arm in AAA. Let's hope he can keep it up. Those numbers, at this point, are video game unrealistic.

Watching Survivorman with the Rambling son, as they explore for Bigfoot in the Rocky Mountains.

I have discussed many times how silly I think this is, as it is quite obvious to me that if such a creature existed, we would have found numerous dead bodies by now. The host of the show has enlisted the assistance of an "expert," who even has a blurry picture of something brown to his credit. Of course, all one needs to be an "expert" in this field is such a picture...and in a world in which most people have a camera in their phone that is better than a top of the line version a decade ago...and still, all we get are blurry, can't really see it photos.

Why? Same reason that's all we ever get of aliens and UFO's...they are fictional sightings.

The Rambling family will be enjoying cinnamon rolls for breakfast tomorrow (I will enjoy them for brunch, because I sleep in), with cheesy hash browns and ham for lunch (this will cook while the wife is gone), with an unlikely but delicious supper of homemade, individual pizzas, which we will all top ourselves with whatever we want, while having a Seinfeld style debate on when life (and pizza) begins.

You are truly jealous you are only honorary members of the Rambling family, aren't you?

If anyone has tales of family bickering, crappy food, and/or a long drive when you'd rather have stayed home, grilled out and napped, send it on in. As the Rambling son says, your misery is my joy.

The Rambling son after dinner tonight: Hey dad, did you want to watch one or two of those Survivormans you have on the DVR tonight? Me: I'm sorry son, the Brewers are on, so I think I'll watch them. How about tomorrow morning?RS: Sure, we'll watch them then. Rambling wife, who plays in the late service at church tomorrow morning: Is anyone going to go to church with me? RS: (looks panicked, tries to find a hole to hide in) Uhhhhh....Me: I can't tomorrow.Rambling wife: (Knowing I have not had important plans on a Sunday in 7+ years) What do you mean, you can't? Me: Got plans. Rambling wife: (incredulously) What plans? Me: It's a holiday. And now, I'm got an appointment to watch TV with the boy. Rambling son quietly scurries downstairs, trying unsuccessfully not to snicker.

I called Braun's HR versus Watson, but it's almost as if he just swung hard at Grilli's pitch and the bat just hit the ball. Tough to catch up to velocity like that even when you know it's coming.

Have to see if Schafer goes on the DL tomorrow with his tight hammy or if Herrera returns to Nashville. Certainly would not be a bad thing to rest Logan and then get him a few PA's on a rehab trip before returning.

The planet is not fragile, and these minor issues mean nothing. We've had several ice ages and many more mini ice ages over the last few billion years. We didn't cause them, and every single one was before the internal combustion engine was invented.

It's all a money grab by failed former politicos who need more money to spend on "massages." We couldn't change the weather if we tried.

Wang is probably a better prospect than all but the top five draft picks that will be taken in June. LHP that can throw strikes, hit 95+, and throw 91-93 consistently are as rare as a fiscally conservative lefty.

The cost is not money, but a 25 man roster spot.

Now, before last night, this seemed easy...Wang had been excellent. It's easy to keep a guy busy with a near 0 ERA. He showed all the common problems associated with young pitching, couldn't get his breaking ball over, fastball was all over the place. However, he's still the same prospect...if he were to have had that same outing last night in A ball, he probably would have given up a couple runs. Much of his success or lack thereof will be directly related to his ability to bounce back mentally from missing his spots by six inches and getting drilled.

A couple things to remember here...one, Wang has shown enough to make it with someone, be it the Crew or another team. To a team carrying 13 pitchers that has no hopes of contending, that roster spot means next to nothing. Does such a team exist? Not sure. However, Wang will have more and more value as the season progresses, as the time required on the 25 man is lessened.

I'd say he was an idiot, but, even idiots are correct, you know, sometimes.

Note how it naturally goes up and down, almost as if the planet can handle huge differences on its own. Of course, that does not fit the "panic now and throw cash at the problem" views of the Democrat party.

Remember, after embarrassing himself early on whenever he spoke of foreign policy, Obama has effectively just ignored it for the past 3-4 years, essentially saying he is clueless and just passing the time until 2017 when someone not so clueless is elected.

The irony is, this is the lesser of two evils, as the Obama on Syria was so out of touch he could not identify the good guys from the bad.

Love to see the Crew use their knowledge to bring him in on a minor league deal; though I assume he'll get an opt out date in a month or six weeks. The fact TOR failed to harness him in is probably more of an indictment of their staff than Jeffress. He was pretty much major league ready several years ago. He's probably just a consistent delivery away from being plenty ready to contribute as a middle reliever.

At some point in the next couple days, many casuals will note how nice it is to have a guy like Herrera, who could take over the 2B platoon and provide depth at all the non battery positions. Having one or two versatile options almost gives a team the equivalent of 25.5 or 26 men on the roster.

The problem, of course, is the fact Weeks is owed $11M this season. That said, as the season works through its six months of length, the salary owed becomes "sunk cost," especially if the team contends. Or, if Weeks begins to hit LHP at his career rate, his limits become far easier to accept.

Scoring change: Give Wily Peralta a hit in the 5th inning today (the first hit by a Brewers pitcher in 2014). No error for Jhonny Peralta.

That was almost as bad as the Ryan Howard one. If a line drive is curving so quickly the defender doesn't touch it, how is that an error? Again, these scorers need to look at the rule, which plainly states "an ordinary, routine effort." That tells me if it is anything but a normal play, it should be ruled a hit. All these guys seem to be suffering from a severe case of jealousy and want to punish those darn players for being far better than they could ever hope to be.

Logan Schafer has picked up a double on that "error" initially ruled on Ryan Howard last week. I can't believe it took a week, but good to see the correct call being made.

Also, Herb Kohl may well be discussing a new Bucks' arena and how much he will contribute at the presser this afternoon. That is far more important than the new owners and the like, as the city of Milwaukee has proven countless times it will look the other way and ignore progress on every occasion.

ESPN is reporting that Bucks owner Herb Kohl plans to sell the team to
hedge-fund billionaires Marc Lasry and Wesley Edens for a price of $550
million.

I know nothing about them, but they have obviously agreed to the terms of keeping the team in MIL, for the time being at least. Rumor has it Kohl will be throwing a substantial sum, thought to be about $200M, into the kitty to build a new arena.

Clinton's doctor says Obama's Let's Move campaign is based on incorrect, outdated info, and is a puppet to the food industry.

Those are all things I've said as well, so I tend to think he's 100% correct. Note this entire article discusses lean protein and protein based snacks, while Obama's "plan" involves high carb, low protein nutrition....at least a decade plus behind current nutritional trends.

Trust me, I will never allow myself to be lectured on the subject of racism in America by the party of Robert Byrd, George Wallace, and Al Gore Sr; unrepentant, unabashed racists, who lived in eras where it was not easy to be so.

They can rewrite history all they care to, but the truth is, they happily allowed despicable douchebags to hold office under their banner...hopefully, I am not offending any bags of douche by pointing this little nugget of truth out.

Or, as Jay Carney calls it, another day we celebrate all the great things Communism has brought us.

The more you get to know them, the more evil and ignorant they are. What kind of clown hangs posters in his kitchen that recalls the days of such terrible acts? The clowns the powers that be keep trotting out.

It has to be fun to be Ron Roenicke right now. It's easy "running a bullpen" when your starters go 6 every night and every reliever does the job. There's probably some "set up to succeed" stuff going on, but for the most part, everyone has been nearly perfect.

That won't last long, though if it does, more power to them.

Going into the season, I thought the rotation would be solid, probably 5th-8th in the NL. Right now, they are tops. I felt good about the bullpen, I would have said it's probably about league average. I especially felt good about the back inning guys, but had doubts about (wait for it) Thornburg, Wong, and Duke. I also wondered if Kintzler would be able to stay healthy.

I would have to assume it is directly related to the lack of fear about HIV/AIDS. It's not considered a killer anymore, but more of a lifelong problem, like herpes. I also wonder if it's a sign oral and other contraceptives are gaining more use and condoms less.

Tell me, why did it take so long for this common sense to become law? An even smarter idea would be to eliminate any silly requirement as long as the state is above average on test scores. Those longer days of school tend to be in late May and June, when there's little learning or teaching going on anyway.

I would assume it was a union thing. Why they'd want to work more days and have less time off (you know, they only work 185 days a year) is beyond me, but then again, I'm so dumb, I've never figured out why they insist on protecting terrible teachers and having the best and the worst get equal pay raises.

How many times must we see the same tired silliness? You know what does? Dozens of chemicals. They work great. And you know what else? They don't make it hotter, colder, or even cause deathly strains of cancer.

I still recall, years ago, some on the left were very concerned about deet, the popular mosquito repellant. I don't know why, people have been slathering it on for decades. But, for several years, "deet free" and "no deet" were popular catch phrases, it singlehandedly created a demand for Avon Skin So Soft, a lotion that supposedly magically deters bugs, while in reality, does nothing but moisturize.

Then, instead of all the pretend problems, a real one showed up...lyme disease. Know what prevents lyme disease and the problems it brings? Deet. Always has.

Be thankful we live in the modern era, and don't have to suffer like our ancestors did.

I hate to be all common sensical and all, but it's difficult for a huge city to gain as high a percentage as a medium sized city because the large city has to add so many more people...to an area already packed like sardines, at least for us non city slickers.

Note how almost the entire list is red areas. Just coincidence though.

Allow me to say, the Brewers will continue to have much success as long as the team ERA hangs around that 2 mark.

You also know things are going well when the casuals, who are brilliant masters of in game strategery (heh, spell check doesn't think that's a word...they should talk to W), are up in arms about...the lack of work for the 12th man on the staff.

I hope that's a problem all season, to be honest, especially when the SP's can work 7 frames and 110 pitches.

Official scorers have to reacquaint themselves with the rule book. Errors are supposed to be on a sure out, one that takes little or no effort. A fly ball 400 feet away on a day with swirling winds? Please. Far too much "back in my day" selective memory going on.

4/08/2014 06:05:00 PM

These are the good old days. Some folks are just too busy wishing the streets were paved with gold to enjoy the good times.

Whatever strikes me as
interesting, and serious Milwaukee Brewers thoughts. If you are a believer
in respecting OBP, throwing strikes, and keeping the ball in the park,
you may have found the place you've been searching for. I believe in low taxes, small government, and am not afraid to be labeled patriotic. If you are interested in sausage race results, walk up music, or professional wrestling, you may wish to click elsewhere.

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